Kim Edwards' hugely popular novel—which remained on bestseller lists for over a year—is adapted for the small screen in this Lifetime-aired made-for-cable movie directed by Mick Jackson. In 1964, successful orthopedic doctor David Henry (Dermot Mulroney) and his nurse and longtime friend Caroline Gill (Emily Watson) help his wife Norah (Gretchen Mol) deliver twins: the first, a healthy boy, the second, a girl afflicted with Down syndrome. On the spur of the moment, David decides to send the girl to a facility for the mentally challenged and tells Norah that the second twin died at birth. Entrusted with the task of spiriting away the child, Caroline instead decides to keep her—a decision that will have enormous consequences for all parties. Son Paul (Jamie Spilchuk) grows up in a dysfunctional home, while daughter Phoebe (Krystal Hope Nausbaum) matures into a very highly adaptable young woman. Meanwhile, as David and Norah drift apart, Caroline works tirelessly to gain social acceptance for children with Down syndrome. While the cast tries to elevate the soap opera-ish material, they are hampered by a sappy script. Still, given the book's wide recognition, The Memory Keeper's Daughter should be considered a strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Sony, 89 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 24, Issue 1
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
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